Otero County

As of the most recent census, Otero County, NM, has a population of approximately 67,490. The racial composition is around 73% White, 6% Black or African American, 1% Native American, 1% Asian, and 18% from other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals represent approximately 40% of the population. The county spans about 6,628 square miles, and the median household income is around $43,600. Population density is about 10 people per square mile. The poverty rate stands at approximately 21%.

As of the latest data, Otero County, NM, has a median home value of approximately $125,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $700 per month. The homeownership rate is about 69%, while 31% of residents are renters. The area has seen a modest annual appreciation rate of 2-3%. Housing options range from rural ranches to suburban homes, catering to diverse preferences and budgets.

Otero County, NM, holds both local and statewide elections. In the 2020 Presidential Election, Otero County had a voter turnout of approximately 62%. Presidential candidates included Joe Biden (Democrat) and Donald Trump (Republican), with Trump receiving 67% of the county’s vote.

In the 2022 General Election, key local positions up for grabs include county commissioner seats, sheriff, and probate judge. Candidates for county commissioner included Gerald Matherly (R) for District 2 and Couy Griffin (R) for District 3. Sheriff candidates were incumbent David Black (R) and challenger Johnny Barrera (I).

For accurate and updated information, voters should visit the Otero County official website or contact the Otero County Clerk’s Office. Polling places, voter registration details, and early voting options are also available on the website.

As of the latest data, approximately 85.4% of individuals aged 25 and older in Otero County, NM have completed high school, which is lower than the national average of 88% and the New Mexico state average of 86.3%. About 20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.1% and the New Mexico average of 27.1%. The county's education levels indicate a gap when compared to both national and state figures, highlighting a need for educational development to meet broader educational standards.

As of the latest data, Otero County, NM, has an employment rate of approximately 55.5%. Key industries include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, educational services, and public administration. Healthcare and social assistance employ around 15.4% of the workforce, while retail trade accounts for approximately 12.1%. Educational services involve around 10.2% of workers, and public administration employs about 9.3%.

This employment distribution contrasts somewhat with national averages, where healthcare and social assistance constitute around 13.8%, retail trade 11.5%, educational services 9.2%, and public administration 5%. New Mexico’s state average shows healthcare and social assistance at 14.7%, retail trade at 11.6%, educational services at 10.1%, and public administration at 8.5%.

Otero County has a slightly higher percentage of workers in public administration and healthcare compared to both state and national averages.

As of the latest available data, Otero County, NM has an average household income of approximately $48,000 per year. When compared to the state of New Mexico, which has an average household income of around $51,000, Otero County falls slightly below. Nationally, the average household income is significantly higher, standing at about $68,700.

These figures illustrate that Otero County's income levels are below both state and national averages, reflecting potential economic challenges within the region.

Otero County, NM, has a varying crime rate with different types of crimes. As of the latest data available, the overall crime rate in Otero County is lower than the national average. However, specific crime rates are as follows:

Crime Statistics Table for Otero County, NM

These numerical values indicate that property crimes are more prevalent than violent crimes in Otero County, with larceny-theft being the most common type of property crime.